PROTESTERS rallied outside the Civic Centre against plans which could see playing fields become a new school.

More than 100 people came together to show their disgust at proposals to rebuild Ysgol-y-Graig Primary School on Godre’r Coed Playing Fields in Cefn Coed.

Yvette Morgan, 48, who organised the protest, said: “The protest went really well and I think we got our point across.

“We are hopeful that once a decision is made it will go in our favour – only time will tell.”

Villagers marched from the playing fields in Cefn Coed to the council building holding hand-made placards with slogans such as: “Don’t be mean – save our green.”

Ms Morgan of Heol-y-cae, said: “We had people there of all ages.

“It wasn’t just those who live near the field, we had people there from all over Merthyr who have made use of the field throughout the years. When they first heard about the potential plans for it to be built on they were outraged.”

The rebuilding of the primary school is part of the Welsh Assembly’s 21st Century Schools programme, which aims to improve education and deal with the problem of surplus places.

Ms Morgan said: “It is not that we are against the building of the school – we just don’t want it on the site of our playing fields.

“The alternative sites that are being proposed are much more suitable.”

Villagers started a petition to save the playing fields two weeks ago and now have the signatures of 3,400 people.

Other sites that have been shortlisted for the proposals include Teddington Playing Fields, the former Vaynor and Penderyn High School site and the current Ysgol-Y-Graig Primary School site

Julie Ellis, 36, of Heol-y-cae, Cefn Coed, said: “My 11-year-old son Jac is always playing on the fields.

“He loves being there and I know that he is safe when he is there.

“Other playing fields in the area are dangerous – Teddington Playing Fields are covered in glass.

“Our field is used for such a wide range of activities. Only last week we held a royal wedding party there.”

Wayne Lewis, 44, said: “I walk my two dogs on the field all the time. It is vital for the community. “Taking it away would have a knock-on effect as other fields could be built on just as easily.”

Malcolm Thomas, 71, of Maesgwynne, Cefn Coed, has lived in a house next to the fields for more than 50 years.

He said: “It is utterly ridiculous. I played on the field as a kid and have fond memories and parking would become a nightmare.”

Villagers have set up a Facebook group entitled “Save the Playing Fields” which now has more than 500 members.

A council spokesman said: “The issue will go before the council and cabinet at some point at the end of May or the beginning of June.”